Sharjah's Early Childhood Authority Unveils New Centre Model

Sharjah's Early Childhood Authority (ECA) is introducing a new model for early years education that combines nurseries and kindergartens within single facilities, with the first centres set to open as part of the 2026-2027 academic year.

Approved by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the plan also includes an 18% increase in government nursery enrolment compared to the previous academic year to meet growing demand.

To support families during the transition, children attending government nurseries that do not yet include kindergarten sections will be able to enrol in nearby government schools until the new Early Childhood Centres are completed. Kindergarten classrooms are also being added to existing nurseries to ensure children can continue their education without interruption.

As part of the rollout, 200 nursery graduates have already been admitted to kindergarten classes at four centres in Al Suyoh, Al Rahmaniyah, Al Lu'lu'iyah and Kalba.

The programme will be introduced in three phases, increasing the number of government nurseries in Sharjah from 40 to 47. The first phase begins in August 2026 with capacity for 2,402 children, followed by a second phase in January 2027 for 332 children and a third in April 2027 for 270 children.

Once re-enrolments and new admissions are complete, the authority expects total enrolment across the new framework to reach 3,004 children.